24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 01, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Scoring machine, 2-time NBA champion and 4-time scoring champ
- Two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors
- Four-time NBA scoring champion, averaging over 27 points per game for his career
- Three-time Olympic gold medalist, becoming USA Basketball's all-time leading scorer
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Kevin Durant is a generational talent whose unique combination of size, skill, and scoring prowess has redefined the game of basketball.
Overview
Kevin Durant's journey to NBA superstardom began when he was selected as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Durant possesses a rare blend of height and shooting touch that has made him one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in league history.
Career snapshot
Durant's NBA career has been marked by consistent excellence and remarkable achievements. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2008, showcasing his scoring ability from the outset. As his game developed, Durant became a perennial All-Star and one of the league's premier scorers, winning four scoring titles between 2010 and 2014.
In 2014, Durant reached a career milestone by winning the NBA Most Valuable Player award. His acceptance speech, in which he famously called his mother "the real MVP," is remembered as one of the most touching moments in NBA history.
Playing style
Durant's playing style is characterised by his exceptional shooting ability, combined with his size and length. He can score from anywhere on the court, whether it's pulling up for a three-pointer, driving to the basket, or utilizing his unblockable mid-range jumper. His ball-handling skills are remarkable for a player of his height, allowing him to create his own shots and facilitate for teammates.
Defensively, Durant's length makes him a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions and providing rim protection. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor sets him apart from many other elite scorers.
Why Kevin Durant is on our list
Durant's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his incredible scoring ability, efficiency, and overall impact on the game. He has consistently been one of the league's top performers, earning 12 All-Star selections and making the All-NBA team 10 times.
His move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 sparked controversy but resulted in two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. Durant's performances in the Finals, particularly his clutch shots and overall dominance, solidified his status as one of the game's greatest players.
Even after suffering a devastating Achilles injury in the 2019 Finals, Durant returned to form with the Brooklyn Nets, demonstrating his resilience and continued excellence. His 49-point triple-double in Game 5 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks stands as one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history.
Five Fast Facts
- Durant is one of only seven players in NBA history to win four or more scoring titles
- He holds the record for most consecutive games scoring 25 or more points (41)
- Durant was the youngest player to join the 50-40-90 club (shooting percentages for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws)
- He is the first player in NBA history to average 25 points per game for 11 consecutive seasons
- Durant has the highest career scoring average in Olympic basketball history
Career Highlights Timeline
2007: Selected 2nd overall in the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics
2008: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
2010: Wins his first NBA scoring title
2012: Leads Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals
2014: Wins NBA MVP Award
2016: Signs with the Golden State Warriors
2017: Wins first NBA Championship and Finals MVP
2018: Repeats as NBA Champion and Finals MVP
2021: Sets USA Basketball all-time scoring record at Tokyo Olympics
Kevin Durant's career has been defined by his scoring prowess, versatility, and ability to perform at the highest level in crucial moments. His impact on the game extends beyond his individual accolades, as he has been a key figure in shaping the modern NBA's style of play. As Durant continues to add to his legacy, he cements his place among the most dominant players in NBA history.
